Author's POV

Hana was looking at him in bewilderment; she didn’t know what to say. Her mind had gone completely blank.

Rumaan came closer and began unwrapping her dupatta. She didn’t resist and let him do it. After he took off her dupatta, he leaned in near her ear.

“Hana… I want you… I need you,” he whispered, brushing his lips against her earlobe. Hana started to tremble.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer as he buried his face in her neck, making her lose her senses.

“Hana… please fulfill my desires,” he murmured while kissing her neck. Hana closed her eyes, overwhelmed by his touch.

He continued kissing her neck, and her head tilted back unconsciously. Rumaan’s eyes landed on the faint mark he had left on her neck, and a smirk played on his lips. He realized she had been trying to hide that small mark—but he had plans to mark her whole body. The thought made him feel triumphant.

“Hanu, please,” he said, still kissing her neck. She felt blissful, and her happiness grew when he called her "Hanu." Rumaan hadn’t used that name in eight years. Hearing it now made her heart flutter. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Will you?” he asked in a husky tone, his lips still roaming her neck.

“Maan… I… Ah…” she moaned when he nibbled at her skin.

“Maan… stop it…” she whispered, frightened by her own emotions. She knew if he continued, she would completely lose control, and she didn’t want that.

“Then tell me… will you?” he repeated softly.

“No!” Rumaan’s eyes snapped open at her answer.

He felt a surge of anger but quickly reined it in when he felt her arms still tightly wrapped around his neck. He knew the effect he had on her was powerful—she couldn’t resist for long. He just needed patience. He sighed and pulled back slightly.

“It’s okay… I just wanted you to know how I feel. If you don’t want this… if you don’t like my touch, then fine,” he said with a hurt expression. Hana’s heart clenched at the sight.

“No, no Maan… it’s not like that… I love your touch,” she blurted out. She didn’t regret her words when she saw how his eyes lit up.

“Really?” he asked, happiness filling his face. She nodded, smiling shyly.

“Haan jaan… I love it when you touch me. In fact, last night when everything was going wrong, not even for a second did I feel disgusted by your touch… I love you, and your touch feels like a blessing,” she said, looking deeply into his eyes. His heartbeat raced hearing her words. He felt again the same emotion he had felt when overhearing Marziya and Hana’s conversation.

“Then… why did you deny me?” he asked, frowning like a little child. Hana chuckled before answering.

“Because… it’s not right before ruksati (marriage announcement)... we—”

Rumaan didn’t let her finish.

“Fine… I’m not forcing you into anything. But one thing you should know, Hana… I. am. not. ready. for. the. ruksati… definitely not in the next few years. So don’t try to manipulate me,” he said firmly and stood up. Hana’s heart sank.

“No, Maan… I’m not trying to manip—”

“You’re getting late for your college… you should go,” he cut her off.

“You’re not going to drop me?” she asked, her eyes welling up with tears.

“No… I have work. You know tonight is the dinner party for your father-in-law,” he replied. She nodded. A tear escaped her eye, but she quickly wiped it and walked out of Rumaan’s room.

> “I am never going to let you control me, Hana... I hate it when girls try to control me. You think you’ll manipulate me through my damn desire? No, Hana... I’m going to manipulate you. I’ll fulfill my desires—with all your consent—without agreeing to the ruksati.”

He promised himself, smirking.

******

Hana’s POV

“No!” I said, slamming my notebook shut.

“Don’t be so cruel, Hana,” Kulsum whined.

“Aray… you know I don’t like this,” I replied, walking toward the canteen with Kulsum trailing behind.

Kulsum wanted me to sing at her brother’s party, but I didn’t like the idea. I only sang for college events. I loved singing, but not for the outside world.

“Hana, he thinks of you as his little sister. He just wants everyone at the party to enjoy his arrangements… if you sing, it’ll make the atmosphere better. He specifically asked me to convince you… please, Hanu, don’t hurt my brother’s feelings,” she pleaded dramatically. I knew her brother treated me like a little sister, and I had always been comfortable around him. Kulsum knew emotional blackmail worked on me—but I wasn’t going to give in this time.

“Stop the drama… and I’m not hurting bhai’s (brother’s) feelings. I’ll apologize to him. I’m sure he’ll understand. So don’t try to emotionally blackmail me,” I said firmly. She glared at me as we headed to the counter to get something to eat.

“You know, sometimes I really hate you,” Kulsum said as we returned with burgers and soft drinks.

“I know… but look at how great a friend I am! You annoy me all the time, but still, I can’t hate you,” I replied proudly. She rolled her eyes at me. We were playfully bickering until her expression fell as she looked at something on her mobile.

“What is it?” I asked. Her frown turned into anger.

“Look… your too good husband… look who he was with yesterday,” she said, handing me her phone.

It was Maan’s picture with Ellen. Ellen had uploaded a photo and tagged him in it. She was clinging to him and the caption read: “After so long, met with my love last night.”

“I told you he was with a girl. He lied to you,” Kulsum said as I stared at the photo, each second stabbing my heart a little deeper. My eyes filled with tears. Kulsum quickly took her phone and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Hey… don’t cry.”

“No… I’m not crying,” I whispered, wiping away a tear from the corner of my eye.

“Hana… don’t ignore this. Go and ask him why he lied to you. It’s your right. And don’t think it’s a small lie. Go and confront him,” she encouraged. I nodded, though unsure if I would follow through or not.

★★★

Maan came to pick me up from college. We didn’t talk much—just discussed tonight’s dinner, that’s all

I was afraid he might be angry, but he didn’t seem upset. I was relieved by his casual behavior, so I thought of asking him about last night.

“Maan… I want to ask you something,” I said. He hummed in response.

“Um… yesterday you—” I was cut off by the sudden ring of Maan’s phone.

“One minute, Hana,” he said before answering the call.

I sighed and turned to look out the window.

“No… I can’t. I told you I’ll be busy tonight,” he said, then paused to hear the person on the other end.

“I’ll call you later… okay, bye.” He ended the call.

“Who was it?” I asked. He looked at me for a second before turning his gaze back to the road.

“That’s not your concern,” he said coldly. A pang of hurt struck my chest. I didn’t say anything after that until we reached home.

I got out of the car and went inside without sparing him a glance.

I greeted everyone and went to my room.

★★★★★

I paced back and forth restlessly, thinking about Maan’s lie… He told me he was with Alex and Jake, but he was actually with Ellen last night.

I sighed and decided to confront him. I knew if I didn’t, this restlessness would never leave me.

I didn’t knock on his door—more like I forgot to. I just walked in.

“Maan… you—” I trailed off as I saw him coming out of the washroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. I immediately turned around and covered my eyes with my palm.

“Why are you roaming around like this?” I asked, flustered.

“Um… as far as I know, this is my room. And I just got out of the shower—if you didn’t notice. And you came into my room without knocking… so…” I heard his voice getting closer, making me tense up.

“…It’s your fault, not mine. And… to be honest… I don’t mind,” he whispered close to my ear. I could feel the smirk in his voice. My cheeks heated up instantly.

“Okay… fine, it’s my fault. Now, can you please put something on? I want to talk.” I said quickly, trying to make this less embarrassing.

“Nah… I feel hot,” he whispered seductively. He gently took my hand off my eyes and wrapped it around his waist with his. Allah ki kasam (I swear to God), my mind went completely blank. My eyes were still closed.

“What do you want to talk about?” he murmured, brushing his lips against my ear. I started to shiver. My heartbeat raced uncontrollably. I opened my eyes slowly and tilted my head to look up at him.

“Maan… you know I can’t ta… talk like this,” I stammered.

“Then don’t talk,” he said and placed a kiss on my ear.

“It… it’s important,” I said, trying to steady my breath.

“Hanu… it can wait,” he whispered and leaned in closer to my lips.

No! Hana, don’t lose. You came here to talk to him… concentrate! I screamed inside my head.

“You were with Ellen last night,” I blurted out just before I gave in to his closeness. His eyes shot open. He stared at me for a few seconds before unwrapping his arms.

“Yeah, so what?” he asked bluntly and turned to his wardrobe.

“You lied to me,” I said, my voice breaking as my eyes filled with tears.

“I didn’t,” he replied without turning around. I sighed and walked toward him. Holding his arm, I turned him to face me.

“Yes, you did! You said you were going to meet your friends,” I said a little louder, locking eyes with him.

“Yes, I was with my friends—Jake, Alex, and Ellen. And for your kind information, Elle is my friend too… but a special one,” he smirked at the end. My tears began to fall.

“You… could’ve told me,” I whispered, loosening my grip on his arm.

“Oh… so you’re trying to say I should take your permission before meeting someone? Okay madam, next time I’ll ask your permission before going anywhere. Is that okay with you?” he asked sarcastically, his tone laced with anger.

“You don’t need my permission… I just want you not to lie to me,” I said softly, looking at the floor.

He didn’t reply. He turned back to his wardrobe and continued searching for clothes.

I sighed, wiped my tears, and quietly left his room.

Rumaan’s POV

I was really angry at her sudden questions. I had been in a good mood when I saw Hana in my room, blushing after seeing me in just a towel.

And I felt a sudden urge to kiss her. But that idiot ruined everything by asking about my girlfriend. I know I sound like a jerk, but when she questioned me—almost accused me—I felt something uneasy. Like I had done something wrong by not telling her I met Ellen.

And when I saw her tear-filled eyes, I just wanted to run away from her… or drag her out of my room, because she made me feel guilty. And I don’t want to feel like that. That’s why I behaved the way I did—so she would leave. And she did.

My reason was simple: I don’t want to be controlled by anyone, especially a girl. I want control over them, not the other way around.

But this girl… she makes me feel strange. I can’t control myself around her. Her cuteness, her shyness, her innocence, her tears—everything pulls me toward her. And I hate that.

I sighed and went to get ready for dinner.

★★★★

We were sitting in the living room with Fathima’s in-laws for about an hour, discussing her and Shazam’s wedding preparations when we heard Riya aapi’s voice.

“Come on everyone, dinner is ready,” she called out, and we all stood up and headed toward the dining room.

But I froze in place when I saw Hana placing dishes on the table.

She looked stunning in that white and golden dress, simple makeup, and her dupatta gracefully covering her head. I didn’t want anything more than to take her in my arms and kiss her.

She looked up at me, and the moment our eyes met, I found myself standing right in front of her—just inches away. Her eyes widened.

I was about to touch her cheek when I heard Fariya aunty’s voice—Shazam’s mother.

“Masha Allah, Hana, you look so beautiful, beta (dear),” aunty said as she came forward. I quickly stepped back. She placed her hand lovingly on Hana’s head.

“Shabana, why does Hana look prettier every time I see her?” she asked, gently cupping Hana’s cheek. Hana blushed at her words, and a small smile tugged at my lips as I took my seat.

“Because she’s my daughter,” Mama said proudly as she walked to Hana and stood behind her.

“Oh, of course,” aunty replied with a light laugh before taking her seat.

As Hana passed by my seat, I secretly grabbed her wrist. No one noticed; everyone was too busy talking.

“Sit here,” I whispered, gesturing to the seat beside me. She looked around cautiously before sitting next to me.

I didn’t know why I wanted her to sit beside me. I just… did.

“So… have you thought about your daughter’s marriage?” aunty asked, making us all turn toward her in confusion.

“I think you forgot, Fariya. Next month is my daughter’s and your son’s wedding,” Mama said, and we all chuckled.

“I’m not talking about Fathima. I’m talking about Hana,” she said, smiling warmly at Hana.

“Oh… um…” suddenly Mama tensed. She looked at me, which made me tense too.

I glanced at Hana beside me. She was staring at her plate, so I couldn’t see her expression.

“You know… I have a proposal for Hana,” aunty continued after a pause, and I froze. She and her family resumed eating while my family looked uncomfortable. I looked at Hana again and saw her head still lowered.

"My sister's son... Sharib... he's a very good boy. He just completed his engineering. If you agree, I can speak to her about Hana. She already saw Hana at Fathima and Shazam's engagement, and she really liked her," Aunty said, and at that very moment, I felt Hana tightly holding my hand.

I looked at her and found her already looking at me with teary eyes. I gently intertwined our fingers.

"But she’s still studying. She hasn't completed her education yet... and we’re not thinking about her marriage until she finishes her studies," I said a little harshly. And I swear, I don't know why I was behaving like that.

"Rumaan... no one asked for your opinion," Baba said, throwing me a warning look.

And again, I don’t know what came over me, but I returned my Baba a look that clearly said:

She is my wife.

…………..